 The inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reads, 'Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God'. (Photo: Mary Fliris) |
Lest we forget
by
Contributed - Story:
39516
May 25, 2008 / 5:00 am
May 25, 2008 / 5:00 am
Monday, May 26, Americans will celebrate Memorial Day. This national holiday first honored the Union soldiers who served in the American Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, it is a day set aside to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flags or flowers. After World War I, the government amended it to include all who have died in military service to their country in any war or military action.
On May 30, 1868, at the first national memorial observance in Arlington, Virginia, then-General James A. Garfield (later to become President) said, “They summed and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue.” This was a profound tribute then and remains one today.
The 1971 Uniform Holidays Act moved several U.S. holidays to fixed Mondays rather than a particular calendar date. This change created three-day weekends giving workers an extra day off. In a 2002 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Day address, the reasoning of this act was addressed. “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.”
Sadly, it is easy to become complacent and take freedom for granted. The more we veer off course merely for the sake of convenience, the easier it is to forget entirely. As long as countries engage in wars, there will be casualties. If we do not remember our fallen brothers and sisters, their sacrifices become meaningless. We must ensure that future generations continue commemorating all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
That said, there are many across America who will celebrate Memorial Day fittingly. People will visit cemeteries and decorate grave sites attend community ceremonies and church services fly the flag at their homes and watch or march in a patriotic parade. Countless others will partake in a nationwide moment of silence at 3 p.m. in honor of those who have died in service.
Truly, it matters not how we remember our fallen heroes—what matters is that we do.
In remembrance and with eternal gratitude,
Chicago Mary
On May 30, 1868, at the first national memorial observance in Arlington, Virginia, then-General James A. Garfield (later to become President) said, “They summed and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue.” This was a profound tribute then and remains one today.
The 1971 Uniform Holidays Act moved several U.S. holidays to fixed Mondays rather than a particular calendar date. This change created three-day weekends giving workers an extra day off. In a 2002 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Day address, the reasoning of this act was addressed. “Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public’s nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.”
Sadly, it is easy to become complacent and take freedom for granted. The more we veer off course merely for the sake of convenience, the easier it is to forget entirely. As long as countries engage in wars, there will be casualties. If we do not remember our fallen brothers and sisters, their sacrifices become meaningless. We must ensure that future generations continue commemorating all who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
That said, there are many across America who will celebrate Memorial Day fittingly. People will visit cemeteries and decorate grave sites attend community ceremonies and church services fly the flag at their homes and watch or march in a patriotic parade. Countless others will partake in a nationwide moment of silence at 3 p.m. in honor of those who have died in service.
Truly, it matters not how we remember our fallen heroes—what matters is that we do.
In remembrance and with eternal gratitude,
Chicago Mary
About Linda Gigliotti
Linda M. Gigliotti has over 20 years experience helping people produce excellent writing. She offers tutorial in the preparation of writing assignments for students, and proofreading services for other users of the written word.
Check out Linda's book, HowMaster: The Writer's Guide to Beautiful Word Crafting.
Read a FREE excerpt at http://www.booklocker.com/books/2304.html
E-mail Linda at Linda.Gigliotti@castanet.net or call her office at 250-765-2221.
Linda M. Gigliotti has over 20 years experience helping people produce excellent writing. She offers tutorial in the preparation of writing assignments for students, and proofreading services for other users of the written word.Check out Linda's book, HowMaster: The Writer's Guide to Beautiful Word Crafting.
Read a FREE excerpt at http://www.booklocker.com/books/2304.html
E-mail Linda at Linda.Gigliotti@castanet.net or call her office at 250-765-2221.
About Mary Fliris
Mary K. Fliris, aka Chicago Mary, is a freelance writer, copy editor, and proofreader residing near Chicago, Illinois. Some writing credits include the Orland Park Prairie, Daily Southtown, Villager Newspapers, Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Catholic, and Babybug. A word junkie, she enjoys playing Scrabble (and making seven letter words) especially if she wins!
Please email her at: Mary.Fliris@castanet.net
Mary K. Fliris, aka Chicago Mary, is a freelance writer, copy editor, and proofreader residing near Chicago, Illinois. Some writing credits include the Orland Park Prairie, Daily Southtown, Villager Newspapers, Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Catholic, and Babybug. A word junkie, she enjoys playing Scrabble (and making seven letter words) especially if she wins!Please email her at: Mary.Fliris@castanet.net
The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet.
Castanet presents its columns "as is" and does not warrant the contents.
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